Downtown Grundy came alive Saturday as a large crowd gathered for Spirit Fest 2026, one of the community’s biggest and most anticipated events of the year.
The free festival, held Sept. 12 near the Grundy Community Center, brought together 41 vendors, musical performers, artists, community organizations and food trucks for a full day of family entertainment.
Donna Smith of the Grundy Town Office was the driving force behind this year’s celebration, helping develop, coordinate and bring the event together for the community.
People came and went throughout the day, filling the festival grounds from the 11 a.m. opening through the final musical performance Saturday evening.
Since its beginning in 2009, Spirit Fest has grown into a favorite fall tradition for Grundy and the surrounding communities. This year’s festival offered something for nearly every age and interest.
Children and families enjoyed free carnival rides and attractions throughout the day. The lineup included the Mind Winder, a funhouse super slide, the Pirate Ship and several spinning rides. Festivalgoers could also test their ability to stay aboard a mechanical bull.
A new attraction, the Superfly, added a little more excitement for adventurous visitors. Riders lay facedown in a swing-style ride that carried them around, upward and outward.
Young visitors also had opportunities to meet princess characters during three scheduled sessions near the main stage. The meet-and-greets were held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2 to 2:30 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m.
One of the festival’s newest features was a Dolly Parton look-alike contest, which invited participants of all ages to celebrate the country music legend’s unmistakable Appalachian style.
Contestants competed in categories inspired by Parton’s colorful clothing, signature hairstyle and sparkling stage presence. Ariella St. Clair won the “Coat of Many Colors” contest, Gearldine Bowman won the “Jolene” contest, and Rosa Keen won the “Glitzy Dolly” contest.
Food vendors served many of the favorites visitors expect at fairs and festivals. Chillers, operated by Ellis and Teresa Owens, offered ice cream, frozen lemonade, icy drinks and other treats. Roy Baker’s Lemonade Stand returned with fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Piggin’ Out, Eat with Otis, and Got Donuts were also among the food vendors serving the crowd. Festival selections included pulled pork, doughnuts, ribbon fries, funnel cakes and numerous other meals, snacks and sweet treats.
The Grundy Community Center concession stand was open inside the theater, while an outdoor table made cotton candy and other concession favorites more accessible to festivalgoers.
Craft and retail vendors displayed candles, crocheted items, wax melts, polymer clay creations, paintings, drawings, soaps, lotions, pottery, quilts, handmade statues, jewelry, wall art, boutique clothing, T-shirts and tumblers.
Visitors could also purchase homemade jams, jellies, pickles and baked goods. Jerry’s Handmade Woodworks offered handcrafted wooden items, while Miss Alex displayed 3D-printed toys.
The booths gave visitors an opportunity to meet area artists, support small businesses and shop for one-of-a-kind creations.
Local agencies and community organizations also participated. The Buchanan County Public Library shared information about its free programs and upcoming fall activities, while the Department of Social Services and Ridgeline Health provided information about services available to area residents.
Other booths offered wellness and A1C checks, black lung information, ministry outreach and additional community resources.
WMJD Grundy’s Rodney Davis served as master of ceremonies, introducing performers and guiding the crowd through the day’s entertainment.
Live music provided the soundtrack for the celebration. Cody Hagerman and Still Pickin’ opened the main-stage entertainment, performing from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Ralph Stanley II and The Clinch Mountain Boys followed from 2:30 to 4 p.m., bringing the sounds of traditional mountain bluegrass to the heart of Grundy.
Local favorite From the Edge closed the festival with a performance from 5 to 7 p.m., keeping the crowd entertained through the final hours of the event.
The steady turnout, more than 40 vendors and a wide variety of activities once again showed why Spirit Fest remains one of Grundy’s largest community celebrations.
